A practical approach for comparing management strategies in complex forest ecosystems using meta-modelling toolkits

Abstract

The complexity and multi-scaled nature of forests poses significant challenges to understanding and management. Models can provide useful insights into process and their interactions, and implications of alternative management options. Most models, particularly scientific models, focus on a relatively small set of processes and are designed to operate within a relatively narrow spatial and temporal range. This limits their efficacy in managing multiple objectives across large spatial and temporal scales. A key challenge to using models in sustain a ble forest management is overcoming the pressures of improving the reliability and scientific credibility of models, while simultaneously expanding the whole-system view required for integrated management.

Citation

Fall, Andrew; Sturtevant, B.; Fortin, M.-J.; Papaik, M.; Doyon, F.; Morgan, D.; Berninger, K.; Messier, C. 2010. A practical approach for comparing management strategies in complex forest ecosystems using meta-modelling toolkits. Sustainable Forest Management Network, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB. Research Note Series No. 56.